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painting

Penny Hockey: A DIY Birthday Surprise

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Sometimes creating, or building, or making a gift for a friend is the best way to show how much to care. The kids’ friend, and fellow hockey lover, recently turned 7 and we decided to build him his own Penny Hockey Game Board.

 

Now, I bet you’re wondering: What is Penny Hockey? (Because I didn’t know either). It is a table top game board similar to a hockey rink with holes (or goals) at either end which you can slide pennies (or pucks). Brian built one when he was in his first junior high shop class. The kids still play with it, and decided to build a larger version for their friend.
This post is long, but by the end you will be able to have an idea of how to build your own Penny Hockey game board. We think we are going to build another soon, but paint it green, with white lines and make it a soccer field.
The first thing we did, we of course go online and look at some photos. We used a few different ideas as a kind of example for how to make it like this one here.
Materials
1/2″ to 3/4″ plywood cut into a 24″ x 16″ rectangle
1″ x 2″ cut into 2 – 24″ chunks and 2 – 16″ chances for rails
Wooden pegs (found at Michael’s, but you could easily cut a thin dowel)
1″ x 1″ cut into 4- 1 1/2″ chunks for feet
Nails
Nail gun (optional)
Screws
White craft paint
Red and blue paint pens
Paint brushes
Stain (optional)
 
The kids helped us do a bit of measuring.
Then, Brian cut the lumber into the desired sizes. This allowed us to begin sanding, painting and staining. Since this is a toy for kids, we wanted to make sure that everything was super smooth to the touch, so we sanded every piece of wood very carefully.
Once that was completed, we started painting the board. I taped the edges to avoid dripping as I had some helpers.
We painted the board with three coats of white craft paint.
Then, carefully measuring and using a photo of a hockey rink, I drew out the regulation lines using red and blue paint pens.
 
NOTE: I did this BEFORE drilling the holes for the pegs (players) and the goals. I thought it would better determine where the pegs and goals would be placed, and would it was easier to paint over a smooth surface rather than over digits created by a drill.
 
Next, we stained the rails and the feet. This step is optional, but we thought it added a nice look to the overall product. We really didn’t let our kids stain, but here is a picture of my middle guy wiping off some dust.
Now, it was time to put everything together. First, using some screws, Brian attached the feet in through the top of the game board. Then, with the help of some clamps and the use of a nail gun, he attached rails through the bottom. This way you didn’t actually see any screws or nails.
Next, Brian drilled the holes for the pegs and the goals. He used a 1″ spade drill bit for the goals and a standard drill bit for the pegs.
The kids decided where they wanted the pegs to be.
Once we vacuumed up the mess…
Brian gently hammered in the pegs (gently is a relative term).
Then it was time to find some pennies and give our gift to our buddy.

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Filling Nail Holes and Painting Trim

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About a year ago, we got a new front door. We absolutely love it, but in that time we had to replace it and get a repair because there was a nick in it upon delivery. By the time that was all said and done, many more months went by.

Now, that everything is installed properly and finally ready to go, I was able to fill in the nail holes and paint the trim around the door to make everything seem more finished. This seems like a project that would take awhile, but honestly I was able to do it in two nap times.
Ah! That’s better!
To fill the nail holes, I used Elmer’s Wood Filler. There are several different kinds, but this one a.) seemed easiest to use and b.) changed color when it was completely dry. Both of these features seemed like it would cause less issues when it came to user error.
Using some gloves, I actually used my fingers to filled the holes with the wood filler. I started by using a putty knife, but found I wasn’t truly filling some of the deeper nail holes. Also, knowing I would be sanding everything smooth once it was dry, I was ok if things were a little messy.
In the past, when filling nail holes, I would wait 24 hours before painting anything to make sure it was dry. However, this product lets you know it is try by turning from purple to white. However, just to be safe, I waited another hour before I began sanding.
Once all the nail holes were filled with wood filler and sanded smooth. I was ready to paint. I used the same white semi-gloss paint that I have been using for all the other trim in the house so I was happy to have some on hand. Armed with my angled short handled brush I got to work. I carefully painted the trim, and then let it try over night, and gave it a second coat the next day at nap time.
I am so happy this little project is finally finished, because now that the paint supplies are out, I can begin another paint project soon.
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Pretty Storage: Painted Baskets

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As the holiday season approaches, I encourage the kids to take an inventory of their toys. We donate what they do not play with anymore, recycle what is broken, and try and make room for anything that Santa brings.

This yearly toy overhaul helps teach the kids how blessed they are, encourages them to help others who have less, and I think helps them make decisions. However, when we are doing the yearly toy overhaul, I get a little organizationally crazy and being thinking about different storage solutions for all of these things.

Some of our storage baskets were a bit, well, boring.

 

These baskets have been around since before Brian and I were married and have been rotated for all kind of use, but are currently in the family room housing doll house furniture and people and some other smaller toys.

As I try to add more color to the family room, I thought of a great idea. I decided to paint these boring baskets. I got out my acrylic paints, a paint brush and turned on the movie Rushmore during nap time.

 

VOILA!

After two hours of some creative painting, and a night of letting them dry, they were a more colorful way to store some of the kids’ favorite toys.

 

Seeing how adorable these baskets turned out has me itching to paint some more things.

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Give Thanks Place Mats: A JoAnn Fabric Celebrate the Season Craft

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While I have been compensated for this post by Jo-Ann 
Fabrics and Crafts, the thoughts and opinions are my own.
 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I thought it might be fun to have a week of preparing for one of my favorite days of the year. I know that there has already been a lot of talk about that holiday in the winter with the trees, wreaths, and cards and such, but around here I do like to celebrate Thanksgiving with a little something (speaking of a little something, at the bottom of the post is a coupon to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts just for you).

 

Since so much time will be spend in the dining room for Thanksgiving, I decided to make some Thanksgiving placemats using some supplies from my favorite craft store Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts. These were extremely inexpensive and simple to make. They only took me about an hour to create.

Supplies.
2 yards of burlap
Stencils
Black Acrylic Paint
Pain Brush or Paint Sponge
Scissors
Measuring Tape
Scrap Paper

 

Tricky Measuring: Burlap is a fabric that frays very easily, so in order to cut down on having a huge mess of threads, it is important to cut it in a straight line. To do that, I measured my fabric and marked on the fabric how big I wanted each placemat. Then, at the edge of the fabric, I very carefully tugged the thread closest to my mark and gently pulled it all the way through to the end of the fabric.

 

 

You will notice a gap in the fabric where there used to be a thread. I did this wherever I had marked my fabric and then I was ready to cut.

Careful Cutting: When all the threads had been pulled, I cut in all the places where there was a gap in the thread. I was very careful to stay within the gap as I was cutting. When I was finished, I had eight placemats.

 

Clever Stenciling: I thought of a few of my favorite words when it comes to Thanksgiving, and using a paint sponge, black paint and some letter stencils I carefully painted the words in the bottom right hand corner of the placemats (NOTE: Make sure to place scrap paper or cardboard underneath your placemat as you paint as you don’t want to paint on your table or flat surface).

 

Let the placemats dry over night or for a few hours before using them.

 

I am so happy how they turned out. They are the perfect addition to our table for Thanksgiving.

 

 

 

To see this craft or to browse other Thanksgiving craft ideas visit the Jo-Ann Fabrics and  Crafts catalogue HERE.

Also, as a THANK YOU, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts is offering my readers a coupon to create your own #TurkeyTablescape.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, and stay tuned the rest of this week for other Thanksgiving ideas and recipes.

If you like this post and would like to read more about DIY, gardening, cooking, baking or all other things domestic, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

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Gradient Dresser: You’d Never Guess its Garbage

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A few weeks ago on the way home from dropping off one of my children at school, I saw this fantastic dresser sitting on the curb. I circled the block a few times trying to take a closer look, and finally parked and gave it a full inspection.

 

I pretended I was at a furniture store instead of someone’s driveway, and gave the dresser a full look over. It seemed solid, and I opened and closed all the drawers. There were even dovetail joints on the drawers (a tip from my favorite designer Sarah Richardson), and even though there was some hardware missing and the top drawer stuck a teeny bit, I thought I could give this dresser a new life in our home.

 

Another Mom who happened to see me stopped, and offered to help me put the dresser in the back of my car. So I moved aside all the sporting equipment and stuff, and we put the dresser in the back.

After a couple of weeks of mulling it over, I decided that I would do a gradient style dresser. Ever since I saw this one on Young House Love.

 

And this one on Red Hen Home.

 

And this one that I pinned a million years ago on Pinterest.

 

I have wanted one of my own.

I made a quick trip to Home Depot, and picked up a gray toned color card with four colors (Sparrow, Anonymous, Dark Granite, and Stealth Jet) like the one below and had a color sample made for each color. (Note: Behr can only create color samples for flat paint, so I made sure to pick up some water based Polycrylic to apply over the flat paint for extra protection and easy cleaning).

 

After taking off the hardware, giving the dresser a good sanding and wipe down, I painted the dresser two very thin coats of glossy white. Then, going from lightest (top drawer) to darkest (bottom drawer), I painted the drawers a few thin coats and let it dry for two days.

After the dresser and drawers were fully dry, I put three coats of water based Polycrylic on the drawers according to the manufacturers instructions and let everything dry for a few more days.

Once I thought the dresser was ready to be moved inside, I added some new pretty hardware that I had also bought at Home Depot.

 

Here is my new (to me) Gradient Dresser.

 

I have to say, I a thrilled with the results, and I cannot wait to find the perfect place for it in my house. I bet you’d never guess this was once garbage.

 

You ever do any garbage picking?

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Working Together: Kid Benches

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When Brian or I are working on a household project, the kids definitely have their interest peaked. They want to be involved, and while that is not always possible, we do the best we can creating projects for them.

A few months ago, Brian was working on a home repair and the kids were “helping.” Brian said the idea just came to him. He grabbed a few pieces of wood, and he made benches with the boys. He said it took all of 10 minutes and the boys got to use screw drivers so that that made them very happy.

 

Last week, when I doing a paint project in the garage, we decided it was time for the kids to paint the benches they made with Brian. I just got out some paint smocks, brushes, and poster paints (Note: While they don’t have the best coverage Crayola Poster Paints are kids safe, no odor, and washable.)





This project was great because it used up some scrap wood we had on hand, the kids were able to create something themselves, we were all able to work together and be involved, oh and I had time to finish painting the garbage picked dresser (reveal soon, I promise).

 

Sometimes, people ask how am I able to do these projects when I have three little kids, and I have to say the main reason is because Brian is incredibly supportive, but the other reason is, we try to include the kids with their own projects at the same time.

 

I have even been known to bring out the dreaded Play-Doh when I am working on a craft. That way we are all at the table doing something fun together.

Isn’t that what this is all about anyway? To be together.

 

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Repurposing Furniture and Other Things

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Who doesn’t love something repurposed? It just means money in the bank. Already owning something and being able to use it in another way is awesome for saving some money, or making something more beautiful.

I have to introduce you to my friend, Ernie Lopez. I met Ernie back in our high school days, and he, now, is an amazing floral designer and the brains behind New York’s The Oak Leaf. Ernie has taken repurposing to the next level. He often takes every day objects to make the most beautiful and elegant floral designs you have ever seen. Take a look at some of these gorgeous arrangements made from things like tin cans, soda cans, and pallets.

 

Photos Courtesy of The Oak Leaf and Martha Stewart American Made

Gorgeous, right? Ernie Lopez is now finalist in the garden category in the 2013 Martha Stewart American Made Awards! I couldn’t be happier for my friend! If you think Ernie’s creations are as wonderful as I do and would like to make sure he wins you can VOTE HERE!

Speaking of repurposing. I have a few things up my sleeve lately. Here is a little preview of something I’m working on.

 

I may or may not have garbage picked this dresser…

Stay tuned for the full story and a finished product!

 

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It said Martha Stewart on the Package So I Bought It

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A few months ago I saw this awesome stencil at Michael’s. I didn’t need it for anything.

There were a few factors that played into this purchase. I am sure anyone who does even a little bit of impulse splurging can relate.

1.) I had a coupon.
2.) Sometimes buying craft supplies makes me happy (there I said it).
3.) The packaging was so pretty.
4.) This stencil made me feel like I had the power to make anything have this pretty pattern: curtains, furniture, walls, crafts, anything at all!
5.) In a nutshell, it said Martha Stewart on the package so I bought it.

As you know, I like Martha Stewart, but I know not everyone has the same esteem I have for Martha Stewart. However, you cannot deny this stencil is adorable!

Once I bought the stencil, it went in the craft cabinet while I thought of a project for it. I kept thinking I wanted to save it for something absolutely perfect. Then, of course like anything that goes into the craft cabinet, I forgot about it for awhile.

Recently, I was doing a little cleaning, and low and behold I found it. The pretty Martha Stewart stencil in its pretty package just waiting to make something pretty.

 

That is when I decided to start small. I found these cork squares, and thought it would be cute to make some trivets.

 

My friend Colleen and her three children came over last week for a playdate. I organized a craft for them (will share soon), and since the paint was out I asked Colleen if she wanted to make something cute for our kitchens.

 

Colleen and I are long time scrapbook buddies, so working on this craft was like old times when we had time to sit for days and complete a scrapbook.

 

This project was so easy, and it was also pretty inexpensive. The stencil (with coupon) cost about $10 and the cork squares were $3 for a pack of four. I already had paint and brushes on hand.

Colleen and I were happy with how they turned out.

I am thinking these would make cute gift. Thank you Martha Stewart.

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It’s Easy Being Green

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When we moved into this house, the previous owners had left behind a TON of stuff. I don’t think they were trying to make life difficult for us, I just think that there was only so much they could do. Regardless, there were a few things we ended up having to throw out, and a few things we were happy to score.

For example, we got some awesome patio furniture, box fans, and an assortment of nice ceramic planting pots. However, we also received some other not so useful things.

There was also this little guy waiting in the garden.

He has sat there now for the past three years, and he is sort of cute, but I thought he would be even cuter in a nice shade of green. Especially since we did some backyard updates, I decided this guy needed a makeover too. Kermit says it’s not easy being green, but honestly this project took maybe 10 minutes of my time. Therefore, EASY!

This past weekend, I grabbed a glossy can of leafy green spray paint, and I did a few coats. I made sure to protect the grass with some boxes and garbage bags. I also wore some gloves, my paint clothes, and sprayed him in the middle of the backyard with no chance of getting paint anywhere near the house, patio, or fence. I also made sure to let the paint dry for about an hour before I moved him.

I think Russell was the happiest about the transformation as green is his favorite color, AND frogs are his favorite animal. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but let’s face it, the guy doesn’t have much else going on in the way of personality. Our old friend is new, and looks so much better.

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Family Room Reveal

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Last month, I finished painting and organizing the family room. Since finishing this project, I have taken on a few other things, and completely forgot to post photos for you to see our freshly painted room.

The original color was a very peachy tan as you can see here:

After painting some swatches of a few variations of soft gray on the walls, we made the decision and went with Behr’s Barnished Clay in a flat finish. It is soft, neutral, and is almost warm. This is a color that we used in both bathrooms, and while I did want to try something different, sometimes you have to stick with what you know you like.

 

Here is another before:

 

Here is the after:

 

Once we finished painting, we completed the furniture switch, we sorted the toys, and created a better play area for the kids.

 

I also moved the craft table. Having it near the ledge near the stairs allows us to store buckets of crayons, coloring books and supplies.

Finally I created little area near the fire place for reading stories and set up Coco’s dollhouse for her to have a separate place for her to play on her own.

 

I am really loving it! Now that my family room is less peach and more gray, I can focus on doing a teeny bit more sprucing. I’m hoping to add a extra large ottomon for kicking up and watching movies, hiding the cords for the TV, and perhaps slipcovering the couch near the fire place.Anyone else finish a paint project or move around some furniture?